Politics and Peace

Everyone seems to be angry these days: protesters on the march, cowards in black using crowd-cover to cause chaos; incendiary columnists on all sides, hysterical letters to the editor, people unfriending life-long friends because they have different political views. And name-calling didn’t end when the campaign was over. Both sides are grouping and categorizing people. Both sides are guilty of hate speech.

I read the story of two men who stood before a mob, both brutalized by their guards, one to such a point he was barely recognizable. One man was the leader of a rebellion, an insurrectionist; the other was a man of peace who never did harm to anyone. One had committed murder; the other had fed the hungry, given sight to the blind, healed the lame and sick, and raised a dead man to life.

Which one do you think the mob chose to free?

Barabbas. Interesting that his name means “son of father”. Notice the small “f” in father. He was a human being, angry and undoubtedly feeling justified to resort to violence and murder.

Jesus was God Incarnate, God the Son. Men and women screamed for him to be crucified. Why? Because he wasn’t the warrior-savior they wanted. He didn’t come with an army and swords. He wasn’t going to slaughter their enemies. Angry and disappointed, they had Him nailed to the cross. He didn’t scream, “Unfair!” Stripped, crucified, exposed to mockery and hate, He suffered excruciating pain to be the sacrifice for our sins. He asked His Father to “forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and proved it by rising out of death.

We live in trying, frightening times, but no less so than generations before us. And yes, things could get worse, a lot worse. The question is: Where do you look to feel safe enough, strong enough, hopeful enough to not be afraid? Where do you find peace?

If you want a haven in this chaotic, hate-filled world, don’t look around for a man or woman to save you. Look up to Jesus who already has — if you’re willing to accept Him and the inner peace He offers.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all His ways, and He will make your path straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)